What Fits A Can-Am Maverick For Mudding?

December 5, 2024

profile view of blue can-am maverick in driveway

Can-Am Maverick Mudding Rig Build Guide

can am maverick in field

Introduction

A stock Can-Am Maverick already rolls off the lot as an ultra-capable, super powerful machine that's able to handle any type of off-roading, from light work on manicured trails to rough weekends trekking through deep mud and other gnarly conditions. That alone makes Can-Am a veritable icon in the eyes of many powersports enthusiasts, and the Maverick has a dedicated, established following that's rivaled by few others in the market.

Still, though, a stock Maverick can only get you so far, especially when the bogs ahead start to get a little thick and deep. So today, we want to help you build the baddest, most capable mudding rig money can buy - check out the build sheet below, featuring top-tier mud tires, springy suspension, high-quality snorkel kits and much more!

front view of can am maverick x3 on muddy trail

Key Considerations for Mudding

Obviously, mudding is an activity that presents a host of unique challenges that you won't find during typical trail rides. For starters, deep mud is tough to get traction in, and your machine will likely get exposed to a lot of water that you'll want to be cognizant of - with rare exceptions, if it gets in your engine you could experience a significant decrease in performance, or worse, destruction. Water in the engine is bad news because a flooded motor will never run, so it's best to prevent the chance of this even happening in the first place.

Recovery gear is also a must when you're going mudding. In these situations, it's easy to sink if you don't have a dedicated winch or other component that can help you get unstuck, so before we get to the fun stuff, make sure you have the basics covered on your Maverick. That said, let's take a peek at some of the key upgrades you need to tackle mudding with your machine.

blue can am maverick by pond

Tires

Let's start with the easiest part of the build - mud tires. You know good ones when you see them, and there are quite a few high-quality tires out there on the market that are worthy candidates for the Can-Am Maverick.

Characterized by their deep, aggressive treads, thick construction, and incredible durability, we recommend tire models like the ITP Mud Lite XL, EFX MotoSlayer and MotoHavok, BKT AT171 and TR171, and others to help you get maximum traction and control over the terrain. Each of these tires is available in a variety of sizes, some up to 37 inches, which you might want for the best contact possible. Regardless, though, keep your Maverick's mud tires between 30 and 37 inches for the best performance.


Read More: What Fits A Can-Am Maverick For Dune Racing?


Suspension

Next up, let's talk about the suspension kits you'll need for your Maverick. For starters, ground clearance will be your main objective with any aftermarket upgrade, because the more space between you and the mud, the less likely it is that you'll get stuck, and the more space you make for bigger mud tires. Because of this, we'd recommend adding high-clearance front arms and a lift kit to your Maverick build.

Also, because larger mud tires and more extreme suspension geometry will put some major stress on the axles, you should probably upgrade the axles on your Maverick to accommodate the added pressure. Some of our favorite brands to consider for these applications include High Lifter and S3 Powersports, both of which make high-quality clearance arms and suspension lifts. You will also want to add some portals as well, as these will help get you better gearing efficiency and extra height.

front view of can am maverick jumping in dirt

Snorkel Kits

Another non-negotiable when building your Maverick for mudding is adding a snorkel kit to the package. Snorkel kits work similar to the way a scuba diver's mask does, helping to keep water, dirt, debris, and other bad stuff away from your engine's intake system. That helps keep the engine free from contaminants, which could end up shutting the entire operation down entirely if you get too much junk in there.

Snorkel Your ATV (that's the brand name) has quite a few well-built, dual-intake snorkel kits that are able to fit the Maverick perfectly, and they're available right now in our store.


Check Out The Best Builds In Our Gallery!


Winches

Getting stuck comes with the territory when it comes to mudding, but a heavy-duty winch makes sure you get back in the action. Your winch should exceed the weight of your Maverick, as deep mud creates extra resistance that demands serious pulling power. Top options include Warn, Rough Country, KFI, and Voodoo Offroad winches, all known for reliability in extreme conditions. Equip your rig with a durable synthetic rope winch for easy handling and quick recovery when things get messy.


Read More: What Kind Of Winch Should You Run On Your Machine?


Clutch Kit

Tackling deep mud requires more than just big tires; you need low-end torque to keep them spinning when the going gets tough. An upgraded clutch kit is a must for ensuring smooth power delivery in sticky situations. Brands like Trinity Racing and DynoJet offer high-quality clutch kits and belts designed to maximize torque and efficiency, letting your Maverick push through thick mud without breaking a sweat.

rear view of black can am maverick x3

Performance Upgrades

Mudding means running oversized tires, and turning them fast through the slop demands serious power. A Trinity Racing Exhaust paired with a performance tune provides the horsepower boost you need while delivering a deep, aggressive sound. Whether you’re crawling through the pits or throwing roost, this combination ensures your Maverick has the grunt to conquer even the heaviest mud.


Start Your Build!


Shop Aftermarket Performance Upgrades

Now that you know what's best to add to your Maverick's mudding build, it's time to get started. Head over to our store today and grab the parts that you need to make every ride memorable, controlled, and most of all - fun.

We offer financing, free shipping & quick delivery on everything in stock at Function Powersports, and you can get additional savings when you package wheels and tires together. Of course, you're welcome to visit our gallery as well and see how fellow enthusiasts have built their Maverick machines; feel free to add yours too. Thanks for taking the time to hang out today, and we'll see you out in the mud!